How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Tap – HomeService.Insure
A dripping outside tap isn’t just annoying — it wastes water, increases bills, and can even leave your garden waterlogged. Thankfully, most outdoor tap leaks are simple to fix with a few basic tools.
Here’s a step-by-step guide from HomeService.Insure to help you stop the drip.
Why outdoor taps leak
Most leaks come down to everyday wear and tear:
- Loose packing nut – the nut around the spindle can work loose over time.
- Worn washer – just like indoor taps, the washer inside can degrade, letting water escape.
- Damaged hose connector – if the leak is at the hose end, the O-ring may need replacing.
What you’ll need
- Adjustable spanner
- Flat-head screwdriver
- New washer (or assorted pack)
- PTFE (plumber’s) tape
- Old toothbrush
- Bucket or cloths for water spills
- Replacement O-ring (if hose connection is leaking)
Step-by-step: Fixing a leaking tap
- Turn off the water
Find your mains stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and shut off the supply. Open the outside tap to drain any remaining water.
- Identify the leak location
- Around the handle/spindle → Likely a loose packing nut.
- From the spout → Usually a worn washer.
- At the hose connector → Often a damaged O-ring.
- If it’s the spindle/handle
- Tighten the packing nut with a spanner.
- If it still leaks, remove the nut, wrap PTFE tape around the thread, and retighten.
- If it’s the spout
- Unscrew the larger nut (valve head) below the handle.
- Remove the valve and take out the old washer with a screwdriver.
- Clean the washer seat with a toothbrush.
- Fit the new washer, apply PTFE tape to the threads, and reassemble.
- Restore the water supply
Turn the stopcock back on and test the tap. If the leak has stopped — job done!
If the tap is still leaking
Sometimes the valve seat inside the tap body is worn. This can be re-ground flat with a reseating tool, but in many cases it’s easier and cost-effective to simply replace the whole tap.
Fixing a leaking hose connection
- Remove the old O-ring with a small screwdriver.
- Replace with a new O-ring of the same size (slightly thicker ones can work too).
- Push it firmly into place and reconnect the hose.
FAQs
Are outside taps different to indoor taps?
Not much — but most modern outdoor taps include a check valve to stop dirty water flowing back inside.
Is replacing a washer really that easy?
Yes. Turn off the mains, remove the valve, swap the washer, and reassemble.
Why does my hose keep leaking at the joint?
The O-ring in the coupler is worn. Replace it and the leak should stop.
Outdoor plumbing help with HomeService.Insure
If you’ve tried the basics and the tap still drips, don’t stress. With HomeService.Insure, you’ll have fast access to qualified plumbers who can repair or replace faulty taps quickly and safely.
Stay leak-free and keep your home protected with HomeService.Insure.
HomeService.Insure Safety Disclaimer
At HomeService.Insure, we encourage safe and sensible DIY, but your safety always comes first.
- Only attempt basic checks and fixes if you feel confident.
- Stop immediately if you notice burning smells, scorch marks, leaks, or anything that looks unsafe.
- Never attempt electrical or gas repairs beyond simple resets or checks.
- For complex, repeated, or potentially dangerous problems, always call a qualified Gas Safe engineer (for heating) or a certified electrician (for electrics).
By following this guidance, you reduce risks — but professional help should always be your first choice if there’s any doubt.
